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Best Accounts to Start Investing With Under $100 in Canada (2026)
- Wealthsimple: $0 minimum, $0 commissions and fractional shares. Easiest place to invest $25 or $50.
- Questrade: $0 minimum and $0 commissions; fractional shares on US stocks/ETFs. Great if you'll grow into more account types.
- National Bank Direct Brokerage: $0 commissions at a big bank. CIBC Investor's Edge is $0 for under-25s.
- Open a TFSA first. If you're 18+ and might buy a home one day, also open an FHSA to start building room.
Best accounts for under $100 (Canada)
| Minimum | Fractional shares | Commissions | Beginner-friendliness | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple | $0 | Yes | $0 | ★★★★★ Simplest app |
| Questrade | $0 | Yes (US stocks/ETFs) | $0 | ★★★★ Clean, more features |
| National Bank Direct Brokerage | $0 | No | $0 | ★★★ Bank-style platform |
| CIBC Investor's Edge | $0 | Yes (eligible US stocks/ETFs and select CDRs) | $0 under 25 (Smart Start); $6.95 otherwise | ★★★ Bank-style platform |
| Wealthsimple Managed (robo) | $0 | Handled for you | 0.50% a year | ★★★★★ Fully automatic |
| TD / RBC direct investing | $0 | No | ~$9.95–$9.99 per trade | ★★★ Too costly for small deposits |
Pricing changes; confirm on each broker's site. See bank brokerages compared for the full bank table.
Why commissions matter so much under $100
| Deposit | $0 commission | $6.95 | $9.99 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | 0% | 28% | 40% |
| $50 | 0% | 14% | 20% |
| $100 | 0% | 7% | 10% |
At these amounts, a single commission can cost more than 30 years of ETF management fees. Under $100, stick to $0-commission brokers.
Which account type to open
- TFSA: the default for almost every beginner. Tax-free growth, withdraw any time, room comes back next January. How to open a TFSA.
- FHSA: if you're 18+ and might buy a first home in the next 15 years, open one even with $1. Room only starts building once it exists. How to open an FHSA.
- RRSP: usually later, once your income is higher. Our TFSA vs RRSP vs FHSA guide explains the order.
What to buy with a small amount
- One all-in-one ETF. Thousands of companies around the world, rebalanced for you, with popular ones priced around $45–$65 a unit. See best all-in-one ETFs.
- CDRs if you really want a specific US company without converting currency. See CDRs vs USD vs hedged ETFs.
- A cash or savings ETF for money you'll need within a year.
A simple first-month plan
- Open a TFSA at a $0-commission broker.
- Deposit $50–$100 and set up an automatic monthly deposit.
- Buy one all-in-one ETF.
- Repeat every month. Don't sell when it drops.
The bottom line
Under $100, the best account is one with no minimum, no commission and a simple app. Wealthsimple is easiest, Questrade is a strong all-rounder, National Bank and CIBC (under 25) are the $0 bank options. Put it in a TFSA, buy one diversified ETF, and automate it. In the US? Read the US version.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start investing with $100 in Canada?
Yes. Brokers such as Wealthsimple, Questrade and National Bank Direct Brokerage have no minimum and charge $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs, so you can invest as little as a few dollars.
What's the best account for a student in Canada?
Usually a TFSA. Withdrawals are tax-free and the room comes back the next year, so it works for both short and long-term goals. Students with low income generally don't benefit much from RRSP deductions yet.
What should I buy with my first $100?
For most beginners, one all-in-one ETF (a single fund holding thousands of stocks worldwide) is a simple, diversified start. Avoid putting a small first deposit into one individual stock.
Do I need fractional shares?
Not always. Popular Canadian all-in-one ETFs trade around $45–$65 a unit (XEQT was about $45 and VEQT about $63 in 2026), so $100 buys one or two whole units. Fractional shares help if you want to invest an exact amount like $25 or buy pricier stocks.
Should I use a robo-advisor with under $100?
Wealthsimple Managed has no minimum, so you can. A robo charges more per year than buying one ETF yourself, but it automates deposits and rebalancing, which helps some beginners stick with it.
Primary sources
Data & disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Figures reflect data available as of Nov 11, 2026, and conditions change — always confirm current pricing, rates and rules with the provider before you act. Written by Elizabeta Dimoska. See our editorial standards and disclosure.
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